Shalom
and his name shall be called
Prince of Shalom
The Hebrew word Shalom may be my favorite word. Often used interchangeably with the English word “Peace,” the meaning is more all-encompassing. Yes, it does mean “peace” as we generally interpret the word, but it also means the complete experience of well-being in all areas of life.
My fascination with the word re-surfaced during this second week of Advent, the week which focuses on PEACE. The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, calling the Messiah among other names “Prince of Peace.” (See Isaiah 9:6). I wondered if perhaps the Hebrew word Shalom could be substituted for “Peace” in this name. Checking various Bible study tools with which I am familiar (disclaimer here that I am not a Bible scholar), I believe it does.*
Thinking about feeling my own personal peace, I was transported to Israel. My soul has never felt so much peace as during the few days Ron and I spent on the Sea of Galilee during a tour to Israel in 2017. A highlight of that time was spent at Duc in Altum, a Catholic church located in Migdal, which honors the memory of not only Mary Magdelene but women throughout Church history. The photo featured in today’s post is of the altar at this church overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Despite differences of opinions and political persuasions, all agree Israel and the regions surrounding it have not been places of peace leading up to and during this 2023 season of Advent. I allow myself to watch and read only a minimal amount of news from different sources, and every time I watch or read, I ache for peace in that region as well as war-ravaged Ukraine. I long for peace rather than the chaos and conflict within my own beloved but divided nation. Difficult situations impacting individuals and families I know and love personally cause my heart to hurt.
There’s so much need for SHALOM!
As I write these words, I sense the darkness of the days along with my own helplessness and seeming insignificance. Thinking, however about the first week of Advent during which we focused on HOPE, I catch a glimmer of it. To the Prince of Shalom, I offer a simple prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Prince of Shalom,
Have mercy on the nation of your earthly birth,
Have mercy on the region of your earthly ministry,
Have mercy on nations and families all over this earth.
Have mercy on the confused, weary, sick, heartbroken, and frightened.
Please draw hearts and minds of humankind to you
Fill seeking souls with your Shalom.
Amen
*One interesting article if you’d like to check it out was written by Dr. Michael Youssef at htps://www.ltw.org/read/my-devotional/2021/12/the-shalom-of-the-prince-of-peace
May the remainder of your Advent season be blessed with Shalom!
